Let’s get real - finding the right Erasmus housing in Athens is no walk in the park.

It’s frustrating, it’s stressful, and you’re probably pulling your hair out looking at listings that don’t match what you need.

But listen, most people mess up in the same five ways over and over again.

And if you know what to avoid, you’re already miles ahead of everyone else.

So let’s dive in—here are the five biggest mistakes Erasmus students make when looking for housing in Athens and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Skimming the Listing

Here’s the deal—people love to skim.

They glance over listings and think, “Yeah, looks good enough.”

But then they move in and realize the apartment is 45 minutes away from their campus, has no heating, and the WiFi is non-existent.

How to Avoid It:

Slow down. Read every detail. Know what’s included and what’s not.

Is WiFi part of the rent, or will you need to get your own connection?

Is the kitchen fully equipped, or will you be eating out every day?

Example: Imagine you’re scrolling through a listing and see “15-minute walk from public transport.” That’s vague. A 15-minute walk could be uphill, through rough neighborhoods, or on streets without sidewalks. Reach out, ask the questions that matter: How often does the transport run? Is it reliable? Is the area safe at night?

Takeaway: Don’t get blindsided. Read everything like your semester depends on it—because it does.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Budget Reality

Let’s talk money.

It’s easy to get swept away by a fancy apartment with a rooftop view or that “perfect” location…

But if the rent is over 60% of your budget, you’ll be eating instant noodles for the rest of your Erasmus experience!

How to Avoid It:

Be brutally honest with yourself about your budget. Include *everything*: rent, utilities, deposits, transportation, and even that unexpected fee for the key fob you didn’t know about.

Example: If your budget is €500 a month, don’t look at listings that are €600 “because maybe I’ll make it work.” You won’t. It’ll hurt your social life and your academics when you’re stressing over every euro.

Takeaway: Stick to your budget. Period.

Mistake #3: Trusting Photos Without Question

We’ve all seen those amazing photos of apartments that look straight out of a magazine.

And then you get there, and the place looks like it’s been ransacked by wild animals.

Photos lie—or at least, they tell a very selective truth.

How to Avoid It:

Ask for a video tour. Better yet, schedule a live virtual tour if you can’t see it in person. Photos can hide cracks in the walls, bad plumbing, or a noisy street that never sleeps.

Example: You see a listing with gorgeous photos, but when you ask for a live video tour, you notice the sound of traffic blaring through every window. Suddenly, that beautiful apartment isn’t so appealing when you realize you’ll never sleep.

Takeaway: Photos can’t capture everything. Get a real-time look at the place.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Commute Times

“Oh, it’s just 30 minutes from the city center,” you think. “That’s not bad!”

But what about walking to the metro? What about the fact that Greek public transport doesn’t run like clockwork?

Suddenly, that 30 minutes turns into an hour each way, and your free time is toast.

How to Avoid It:

Calculate door-to-door commute times. Use Google Maps, check multiple routes, and factor in delays. Athens is an amazing city, but the traffic and transport systems can throw you off if you don’t plan properly.

Example: You find a great apartment 15 minutes from the nearest metro stop. But wait—it’s also a 10-minute walk to the bus that takes you to the metro. And that 15-minute metro ride turns into 30 when it’s rush hour. Suddenly, you’re spending more time commuting than enjoying your Erasmus experience.

Takeaway: Time is your most valuable asset. Don’t waste it on a bad commute.

Mistake #5: Failing to Consider Safety

This one’s huge…

Safety should be top of mind, but many students ignore it for convenience or because a great deal blinds them.

That €300 room might seem like a steal until you realize you don’t feel safe walking home after dark.

How to Avoid It:

Do your homework. Research the neighborhood, check crime reports, and talk to other students who’ve lived there. Safety is non-negotiable.

Example: You find an apartment in Agios Panteleimonas because the rent is cheap. But after chatting with locals and doing some research, you realize the area has a reputation for being a bit quieter and not as lively as other student hotspots. Sure, it's budget-friendly, but are you giving up the bustling social life you imagined for your Erasmus experience by living in a neighborhood that feels more isolated?

Takeaway: Always prioritize your safety. If something feels off, trust your gut and walk away.

Final Thoughts…

Don't Make Housing the Nightmare of Your Erasmus Experience

Here’s the bottom line—housing can make or break your Erasmus experience.

Get it right, and you’ll have an incredible time in Athens, meeting new friends and thriving in your studies.

Get it wrong, and you’ll spend your semester stressed, frustrated, and looking for an escape route.

But you don’t have to fall into the same traps. Use these tips, avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect Erasmus accommodation.

Want some help?

If you’re tired of endlessly scrolling through bad listings, we’ve got you covered.

Rooms Athens offers fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments specifically for Erasmus students like you. No hidden fees, no sketchy deals—just a place to call home.

Check out our listings today, and let’s make sure your Erasmus housing is one less thing to worry about!